Deck lid hinge



Feb. 15; 1944. v

J. H. ROETHEL DEGK LID HINGE File d Jan. 29, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet l lNVENTOR A'IFTORNEY$- Feb. 15, 1944. H, TH L v 2,341,847

DECK LID HINGE- Filed Jan. 29, 1941 s She ets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS- Feb. 15,1944. J. H. ROETHEL 2,341,847

DECK'LID HINGE Filed Jan. 29, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEYQZIAZ Patented Feb. 15, 1944 DECK LID HINGE John H. Roethel, Detroit, Mich, aslignor to Mar-' vei Equipment Corporation, Detroit, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Application January 29, 1941, Serial No. 378.507

'18 Claims. (Cl. 16-135) This invention relates to hinges particularly adapted for pivotally connecting together a swinging closure and a fixed body or support, the hinge of the present invention being especially useful in connection with swinging doors or lids of vehicle bodies, such as trunk, hood or deck lids of motor vehicles. This application is a continuation in part of my application Ser. No. 370,783, filed December 19,1940, which has matured into Patent No. 2,320,752, of June 1, 1943.

An object of the invention is to provide a hinge for an upwardly swinging closure or lid which is provided with improved 'relatively simple, ef-

ficient and economical spring controlled means for holding the lid or closure in a raised position, such means being operated simply by manipulating the lid in raising and lowering the same.

Another object oi. the invention is to provide a hinge for a swinging closure or lid having an improved counter-balancing spring device held substantially out'of operation, or in a condition to exert immaterial resistance to the rais-' ing of the lid or closure during a part of its movement and thereafter effective to exert a substantial effort or force to move the lid and hold it, or assist in holding it, in fully raised position.

A further object is to provide an improved hinge having a counterbalancing spring or springs for holding the closure in raised position and rotatable means actuated by the movement of the closure for controlling the tension or resure, such as an upwardly swinging lid of a mo-' tor vehicle, comprising a pair of unitary frames or frame members, one attachable to the vehicle body and the other to the lid, and having cooperating hinge members, such as transversely spaced arms on each frame hingedly connected together at two laterally or horizontally spaced points, and in addition having spring means for controlling the operation of the lid, the spring means being pre-loaded and the effective effort thereof being governed by coacting members connected to the frames and controlled by the movement of the lid or closure.

A further object of the invention isto provide an improved hinge structure for a swinging closure, such as an upwardly swinging lid of a motor vehicle, comprising a pair of unitary frames or frame members, one attachable to the vehicle body and the other to the lid, and having cooperating hinge members, such as transversely spaced arms on each frame hingedly connected together at two laterally or horizontally spaced points, and in addition having spring means connected to the frame on the body and also connected to the frame on the lid through the medium of articulated members functioning upon movement of the lid to control the effective effort of the spring means, said spring means and articulated members being mounted to the frames intermediate the hinge points or the frames.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved hinge structure of the foregoing class having a movable hinge member attachable to the swinging lid comprising a frame provided with three transversely spaced arms, two of the arms being hinged to a support or frame on the body and the third arm providing a connectionto a spring or springs eflective to control operation of the lid.

Other objects of this invention will appear in the following description and appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the rear end of an automobile body illustrating a lid or closure hinged to the body by means of a hinge structure or device constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged section taken substantially through lines 3-3 of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged section taken substantially through lines Q-t of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 2.-

Fig. 6 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged section taken substantially through lines 5-8 of Fig. 6 looking in the ditially through lines I of Fig. 10 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 1B is a side view of the structure illus trated in Fig. 10.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged section taken substantially through lines |3|3 of Fig. 12 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Before explaining in detail the'present invention it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, and it is not intended to limit the invention claimed herein beyond the requirements of the prior art.

In the drawings there are illustrated, by way of example, three embodiments of a hinge or hinge structure in accordance with the present invention as applied to a swinging closure, such as the deck lid or trunk lid or the like of an automobile body. It will be understood that the hinge of the present invention may be utilized in connection with other closures such, for example, as the swinging hood lid of a vehicle body and further it is to be understood that, although in the present instance the hinge is illustrated as arranged in a particular manner, yet other arrangements and other positioning of the hinge including the support thereof and other parts may be resorted to without departing from the invention.

In the embodiments of the invention herein illustrated, by way of example, the hinge structure is applied to an automobile body A which has a rear metal panel B forming a sloping deck, trunk or other compartment provided with an opening G into the compartment which is adapted to be closed by means of a swinging lid or closure member ID. It will be seen that the lid or closure I is bowed or curved transversely and the hinge members connected to the lid and body are arranged near the middle of the upper edge of the deck lid at the highest point of the upper edge of the opening C of the compartment, thereby minimizing interference by the swinging hinge arms with articles stored within the compartment.

Referring to Figs. 1 to inclusive, the hinge structure of this embodiment comprises a pair of similar transversely spaced hinge members or armsll of generally goose-neck construction so as to swing about and clear the upper edge of the compartment C. Each hinge member, as shown in Fig. 4, comprises a pair of channels having their central webs Ila positioned face to face and spot welded together. At their outer ends the hinge arms l| terminate in widened flanges llb arranged in the same plane. A third hinge member or arm I2 is arranged centrally between the members II and in like manner comprises a pair of channels having their central webs positioned face to face and spot welded together. As in the case of the hinge arms II, the third arm |2 terminates at its outer end in widened flanges In which also lie in the same plane. The flanges llb and |2a of the three arms of the movable hinge member are permanently connected together as a unitary frame structure through the medium of a pressed metal plate l3. This plate has a continuous downturned marginal flange portions lb and Ho, and the plate extends across the top faces of the portions llb and I21; and is spot welded thereto as indicated. Holes l4 extend through the flange portions llb and In of the arms and through the plate |I for the purpose of receiving screws or the like for attaching the movable hinge member to the swinging lid I0.

The hinge structure of this embodiment also includes a stationary frame I5 which is preferably of pressed metal construction and generally V or U shaped to-provide an apex portion llb and outwardly extending arms |5a.which preferflange |3a embracing the i5 ably diverge from the portion l5b. The frame I5 is pressed'to provide marginal flanging lic, and the outer ends of the arms have straight parallel portions, each formed with relatively deep depending flanges l5d. The end of each hinge arm H is bifurcated to provide portions I la extending between the flanges lid and hinged thereto through the medium of a transverse hinge pin it. Thehinge pins I6 for the two arms lie on a common transverse axis. The frame I5 is provided with suitable holes or apertures for the reception of screws or the like by means of which this frame may be attached to the body within the roof or upper portion of the deck lid compartment forwardly of the upper edge of the opening 0.

As seen in Fig. 5, the intermediate arm l2 extends below the pivots I6 and the forward end of this arm is connected through a pivot or hinge pin l9 to one end of a link I8. The opposite end of the link is pivotally connected through a hinge or pivot pin 20 to the outer end of a crank arm 2|. a stud or short shaft 22 rotatable in apertures in the spaced depending flanges of angle members 23 whose upper flanges are spot welded to the under-side of the portion |5b of the frame IS. The hub of the crank arm 2| lies between the flanges of the angle brackets 23. Mounted upon end of each spring is attached to the stud 22 and the outer end of each spring is attached to 9. lug 25 struck out from one of the angle brackets 23. The rearv end of, each arm l5a is provided with a lug 26 positioned to act as a stop to limit the upward swinging movement of the movable hinge member and, hence, the lid IIJ.

Referring to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 6 to 9 inclusive, in this instance the movable hinge member comprises a unitary pressed metal frame 29 which may be stamped or pressed from a single metal blank to provide a transverse member 30 and three arms 3| and 32 extending integrally and forwardly from the frame portion 30. The latter is formed with depending marginal flanging 30a along its edges which merges into depending marginal flangingalong the edges of the outer arms 3|. The edges of the intermediate arm 32 also have depending marginal flanging which merge into corresponding flanging along the forward edge of the frame portion 30 and along the inner edges of the outer arms 3|,

The opposite end of the crank is pinned to,

It. The frame 34 thus comprises an apex or base portion 34b and outwardly diverging arm 34a. The {frame 34 is provided along its edges with depending marginal flanging 34c terminating in deeper end flanges 34d. As in the case of the previous embodiment, theend of each arm 3| extends between the spaced flanges 34d of one or the arms 34a and is hinged thereto through the medium of a transverse hinge or pivot pin 35. The frame 34 is provided with holes or apertures 36 for the reception of screws or the like for attachin this frame to the vehicle body, similar to the frame I5 of the previous embodiment.

A guide link 31 is pivotally connected to the forward end of the central or intermediate arm 32 of the movable hinge member. This link may comprise two metal bars spot welded together and having their ends bent out toprovide spaced portions 31a inserted betweenthe end flanging of the arm 32 and hinged thereto through the medium of a transverse hinge or pivot pin 38. The guide link 31 supports a compression spring 39 which surround the link.' The rear end of the spring abuts against shoulders formedby the bifurcations 31a. The opposite end of the spring is held by a concavo-convex retainer piece 4| which is lodged against the back wall 40a of a channel shaped anglebracket 40 whose top web is spot welded to the under-side of the portion 34b of the frame 34. The link 31 extends freely through an aperture or slot in the back Wall 40a of the bracket and the construction is such that as the link slides endwise within the slot in the back wall 40a, the washer 4| may pivot orroll upon the wall 46a. As in the case of the first embodiment the ends of the arms 34a are provided with lugs Me which form stops engageable by the hinge arms 3| to determine the uppermost position of the swinging lid.

Referring to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. to 13 inclusive, in this instance the movable hinge member comprising the pressed metal frame 29 having the transverse frame portion 30 and arms 3| and 32, is constructed substantially the same as that illustrated in the embodiment of Figs. 6 to 9 inclusive. The stationary frame 34 is very similar to that of the second embodiment and the hinge member 29 is hinged- 1y connected thereto at 35 in a similar manner.

In this embodiment the frame 34 is stamped in two sections 42, the adjacent flanged ends 42a thereof being somewhat spaced apart at the base or apex of the frame as illustrated in Fig. 13.

The frame section 42 are also provided with holes or apertures 43 for the reception of screws-by which the frame is attached to the body. A link 44 is pivotally connected at its rear end to the end of the arm 32 through the medium of a transverse hinge or pivot pin 45. This link comprises two embossed bars spot welded together and having spaced ends 44a projecting between the flanging of the arm 32 and pivoted thereto through the hinge pin 45. The rear end of the link 44 is pivotally connected through a shoulder stud 46 to the lower end of a crank arm 41. This crank arm comprises two metal pieces spot welded together and pivotally connected to the flanged ends 42a of the frame through the medium of a shoulder stud 48. The upper end of the crank arm 41 lies between the ends 42a of the frame and is rotatable upon the stud 48. The outer portion of the crank arm is forked to embrace the end of the link 44 which turns upon the stud 46. The free end of the crank arm is connected a pair of tension springs 49. The rear ends of these springs are hooked over the lugs and the forward ends of the springs are hooked into apertures in wings 60 extended inwardly from the rear ends of the arms 42 of the frame. It will be seen that the tension springs 49 diverge outwardly in generally parallel relation to the diverging arms 42 and lie in the open space between these arms.

Having first selected springs of the proper size and strength to accommodate the weight of the lid, the springs of the several embodiments are assembled in pre-stressed or Dre-loaded condition so as to substantially balance the weight of the lid. In the first embodiment of Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, the clock-type springs 24 are wound so that when their ends are anchored, these springs will be pre-loaded. In like manner, the spring 39 of the second embodiment is normally loaded or under compression, when assembled, so as to substantially balance the weight of the lid. This also applies to the tension springs 49 of the third embodiment,

During the operation of the lid, when hinged to the body in accordance with the first embodiment, the action of the lever or crank arm 2| will be to vary or permit variance in the effective effort exerted by the springs 24 at different positions of the lid. In full lines in Fig. 5 the fully elevated position of the lid and the relation of the parts connected to the springs is indicated at X. This position of the lid is governed by stops 26 adapted to be engaged by the hinge arms As the lid is lowered the pivot I9 moves toward the dead center line passing through points l6 and 20, and until position Y, representing this dead center line, is reached a progressive loading of the springs 24 occurs as the crank arm 2| is swung rearwardly through the action of the link l8 and the motion of the. operating arm l2. As pivot l9 passes the dead center position the springs substantially go out of action, there being a slight reverse action of the springs due to a slight reverse swinging of the crank arm near the closing position of the lid, the position of the parts when the lid is closed being shown at Z in Fig. 5. A slight amount of effort of the springs is exerted to urge or hold the lid closed. The

reverse action takes place as the lid is raised. During the initial lifting of the lid little eiiort is required to raise it the short distance to the positionrepresented by the dead center line Y. Thereafter, as the pivot l9 passes this line the springs exert a lifting action which tends to complete the raising of the lid and holding it in fully elevated position. It will be understood that during the operation of the lid the swinging motion of the crank arm 2| results in turning the shaft 22 and winding or unwinding the springs, 24.

A similar action occurs in connection with the use of the structure illustrated in the second embodiment of Figs. 6 to 9 inclusive. The fully raised position of the lid is illustrated in full lines in Fig. 'l at X. As the lid is lowered the spring 39 will be progressively compressed as the pivot 38 moves toward the dead center line Y passing through the pivot 35 and the pivot formed by the washer 4| resting against the bracket 40. When provided with out-turned lugs 41a to which are its open position the pivot 45 will move toward the dead center line Y", passing through pivot 35 and pivot 46, and during this movement of the operating arm 32 and link 44 the springs 49 will be stretched or elongated and thus progressively loaded, and this loading of the spring will prevail until pivot 45 passes the dead center line Y". Thereafter the springs will substantially go out of action or will exert a slight tendency to urge or hold the lid in closed position, the position of the parts in the closed position of the lid being indicated at Z.

In each of the embodiments it will be seen that only a short movement of the lid is necessary from its closed position to open the lid sufficiently to cause the pivot IQ of the first embodiment, or the pivot 38 of the second embodiment, or the pivot 45 of the third embodiment to pass the dead center position, and thereafter the action of the springs'will be to urge the lid toward its open position and this movement of the lid will require substantially no manual efiort. It will further be seen from the foregoing that the present invention provides a hinge structure, including a movable hinge member or frame and a stationary hinge member or frame, which is a single connected unit adapted to be quickly'and easily applied to the body and the swinging lid, and in which all of the parts are pre-assembled in a single unitary structure before mounting the same uponthe vehicle body. The construction in each instance is relatively simple and may be manufactured at low cost and considerable savings may be accomplished in assembly operations.

I claim:

1. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised and lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a fixed support adapted to be located within a compartment and connected to a wall thereof, a hinge structure adapted to be fixed to the lid for said compartment and including a hinge member pivoted to the support at the inner side of the support, a spring operatively connected to the support at the same side thereof, and a control member at swinging of said hinge member and having means for operative engagement at its opposite end with the spring located further from said axis than it is from the pivotal point of connection of the control member to the hinge structure when the lid is in closed position.

3. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised and lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a fixed support adapted to be located within a compartment and connected to a wall thereof, a hinge structure adapted to be fixedtolthe lid for said compartment and including a hinge member pivoted to the support at the inner side of the support, a spring operatively connected to the support at the same side thereof, and a control member at said side of the support pivoted at one end to the hinge structure at a point spaced from the axis of swinging of said hinge member and having means for connection to the spring located further from said axis than it is from the pivotal point of connection of the control member to the hinge structure when the lid is in closed position.

said side of the support pivoted at one end to the hinge structure at a point spaced from the axis of swinging of said hinge memberand having means for connection at its opposite end to the spring located further from said axis than it is from the pivotal point of connection of the control member to the hinge structure when the lid is in closed position.

2. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised and lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a fixed support adapted to be located within a compartment and connected to a wall thereof, a hinge structure adapted to be fixed to the lid for said compartment and including a hinge member pivoted to the support at the inner side' of the support, a spring operatively connected to the support at the same side thereof, and a control member at said side of the support pivoted at one end to the hinge structure at a point spaced from the axis of 4. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closureadapted to be raised and lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a fixed support adapted to be located within a compartment and connected to a wall thereof, a hinge structure adapted to be fixed to the lid for said compartment and including a hinge member pivoted to the support at the inner side of the support, a

spring operatively connected to the support at the same side thereof, and a control member at said side of the support pivoted at one end to the hinge structure at a point spaced from the axis of swinging of said hinge member and having means for operative engagement with the spring, the location of the connection of the spring to the support being further from said axis than it is from the pivotal point of connection of the control member to the hinge structure when the lid is in closed position.

5. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised and lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a fixed support adapted to be located within a compartment and connected to a wall thereof, a hinge structure adapted to be fixed to the lid for said compartment and including a hinge member pivoted to the support at the inner side of the support, a spring located at the same side of the support, means providing operative engagement of the spring with the support, and a control member at said side of the support connected at one end to the hinge structure at a point spaced from the axis of swinging of said hinge member and having means for operative engagement with the spring, the location of said means providing operative engagement of the spring with the support being further from said axis than it is from the point of connection of the control member to the hinge structure when the lid is closed.

6. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised and lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a fixed support, a hinge structure adapted to be secured to the lid and including a hinge member pivoted to the support, a spring mounted to the support, a. swinging crank arm connected to the spring, and a control member connecting said crank arm to the hinge structure at a point spaced from the axis of swinging of said hinge member, the axis of swinging of the crank arm in the closed posinection of the cont ol member to said hinge ber having means for connection to the last menstructure.

7. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised and lowered to open and clos an opening, comprising a fixed support, a hinge structure adapted to be secured to the lid and including a hinge member pivoted to the support, a spring mounted to the support, a swinging crank arm connected to the spring, and a control member connecting said crank arm to the hinge structure at a point spaced from the axis of swinging of said hinge member, the point of mounting of the spring to the support in the closed position of the lid being further from the pivotal axis of the hinge member than from said point of connection of the control member to said hinge structure.

8. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised and lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a fixed support, a hinge structure adapted to be secured to the lid and including a hinge member pivoted to the support, a spring mounted to the support, a swinging crank arm connected to the spring, and a control member connecting said crank arm to the hinge structure at a point spaced from the axis of swinging of said hinge member, the point of connection of the crank arm to the spring in the closed position of the lid being further from the pivotal axis of the hinge member than from said point of connection of the control member to said hinge structure.

9. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised and lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a fixed support, a hinge structure adapted to be secured to the lid and including a hinge member pivoted to the support, a pair of diverging springs mounted to the support, a swinging crank arm connected to the more proximate ends of the springs, and a control member connecting said crank arm to the hinge structure at a point spaced from the axis of swinging of said hinge member, the axis of swinging of the crank arm in the closed position of the lid being further from the pivotal axis of the hinge member than from eaid pointpi connection of the control member to said hinge structure.

10. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised and lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a fixed support, a hinge structure adapted to be secured to the lid and including a hinge member pivoted to the support, a pair of diverging springs mounted to the support, a swinging crank arm connected to the more proximate ends of the springs, and a control member connecting said crank arm to the hinge structure at a point spaced from the axis of swinging of said hinge member, the point of connection of the crank arm to the spring in the closed position of the lid being further from the pivotal axis of the hinge member than from said.

point of connection of the control member to said hinge structure.

11. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised or lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a support-adapted to be located within a compartment and connected to a wall thereof, a hinge structure adapted to be secured to the lid for said compartment and including hinge means pivoted to the support at the inner side of the support, a pair of diverging springs connected to the support at their corresponding ends which are further apart than their opposite correspondingends, and a control memtioned ends 01 the springs and also pivotally connected to the hinge structure at a point spaced from the axis of swinging ofsaid hinge means.

12. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised or lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a support adapted to be located within a compartment and connected to a wall thereof, a hinge structure adapted to be secured to the lid for said compartment and including hinge means pivoted to the support at the inner side of the support, a pair of diverging springs connected to the support at their corresponding ends which are further apart than-their opposite corresponding ends, and a control member having means for connection to the last mentioned ends of the springs and also pivotally connected to the hinge structure at a point spaced from the axis of swinging of said hinge means, the connection of the control member to said springs including a swinging. crank arm pivoted to the support.

13. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised or lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a support adapted. to be located within a compartment and connected to a wall thereof, a hinge structure adapted to be secured to the lid for said compartment and including hinge means pivoted to the support at the inner side of the support, a spring having operative engagement at One end with the support at the same side thereof, said hinge structure having a member operatively engaging the opposite end of said spring at a point spaced from the axis of swinging oi the hinge means, the location of the engagement of the spring with the support in the closed position of the lid being further from the axis of swinging oi the hinge means than from said point of engagement of said member with the spring.

14. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised or lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a support adapted to be located within a compartment and connected to a wall thereof, a hinge structure adapted to be secured to the lid'for said compartment and including hinge means pivoted to the support at the-inner side of the support, an elongated coil spring having operative pivotal engagement at one end with the support at the same side thereof, said hinge structure having a member pivotally engaging the opposite end of said spring at a point spaced from the axis of swinging of the hinge means, the location of engagement of the spring with the support in the closed position of the lid being further from the axis of swinging of the hinge means than from said point of engagement of said member with the spring.

15. A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised or lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a support, a hinge structure adapted to be secured to the lid and including a pair of spaced hinge arms pivoted to the support to swing about a common axis, an intermediate arm on said hinge structure, a member connected at one of its ends to said intermediate arm at a point spaced from said axis and having means for operative engagement at its opposite end with the support, and spring means controlled by said member and intermediate arm, said last named end of the member in the closed position of the lid being further from said axis than it is from the first named end of the member,

16, A hinge device for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be raised or lowered to open and close an opening, comprising a support, a hinge strucspring means controlled by said member and intermediate am, said last named end or the memher in the closed position of the lid being further from said axis than it is from the first named end of the member.

' 1'7. A hinge structure for a swinging lid or closure adapted to be swung between open and closed positions, comprising fixed supporting means, a hinge structure including a pair of hinge arms adapted to be fixed adjacent their outer ends to the lid and pivoted at their inner ends to the supporting means to swing about a common transverse axis, a coil spring mounted to the supporting means, a swinging crank arm connected to the spring, and a member connecting said crank arm to said hinge structure at a point spaced from the axis of swinging 01 said arms, the axis of swinging of the crank arm in the closed position of the lid being further from said transverse axis than from said point oi! connection of said member to said hinge structure.

support at the same side thereof, and a member at said side of the support pivoted at one end to the hinge structure at a point spaced from the axis or swinging of said hinge armwhen the lid is open and having means for connection at its opposite end to the spring located further from said axis than it is from the pivotal point or connection of the member to the hinge structure when the lid is in closed position.

JOHN H. 120mm. 

